"Our reception...could not have succeeded without your contribution"

For the 100th anniversary of the Rotunda Fire, the University of Virginia wanted to thank the Charlottesville Firemen for 100 subsequent years of protection of its historic grounds and exceedingly rare and valuable library and rare books collection.

The Alderman Library, home of the Special Collection, and Jefferson's Rotunda were opened to our firemen and their spouses for private docent-guided tours.

What a special treat!

Our teams have pulled the 1904 Knott pumper in a number of parades and festivals, but this was a really special day.

The University chose the Bundoran Belgian hitch horses to help them celebrate, and the President of the University, Dr. John Casteen, got to drive the team by himself, a most impressive leadership, if not academic, performance!

"They sure are big" he said. "What do I do if they move?"

"Beat's me" Fred replied, "I never have figured out that part."

Jeffrey Plank, Director, Corporate & Foundation Relations of UVA wrote: "What a pleasure... Our reception for the Fire Department could not have succeeded without your contribution, and all of us here -- including the two new fire chiefs -- are grateful for your help."